Last updated November 29, 2021
Business License in Connecticut
Overview: How to start an LLC in Connecticut
Step-by-step guides:
5. EIN Number
6. Annual Report
7. Business Licenses ← you are here
8. Taxes
Connecticut LLC costs:
Formation fee: $120
Annual fee: $80 per year
Need to save time?
Hire a professional to form your LLC in Connecticut:
Northwest ($39 + state fee) or LegalZoom ($149 + state fee)
★ Check out Northwest vs LegalZoom
After your Connecticut LLC is approved, you’ll need to comply with state and local government license and permit requirements.
Your requirements are determined by the industry you are in and where your business is located.
Not complying with license and permit requirements is risky and can result in penalties and fines, or worse, not being allowed to conduct business in the state.
Types of licenses you may need in Connecticut
Below are some license and permits examples:
- Department of Revenue State Tax ID number
- Business operation license/business privilege license
- Sales tax license
- Seller/reseller permit
- Building permit
- Health permit
- Signage permit
- Home occupation permit
- Zoning and land use permits
- Withholding taxes (if you have employees)
Industries that are more regulated usually have more requirements.
Do it yourself in Connecticut
CT Department of Revenue State Tax ID Number
Because you are operating a business in Connecticut, you will need to register with the Department of Revenue and get a CT State Tax Identification Number.
You can register with the Department of Revenue online through the Taxpayer Service Center. Most businesses do so using Form REG-1. However, some licenses (like those for alcohol, tobacco, or nursing homes) require additional documents that you can find in the Registration Applications page.
You can contact the Department of Revenue with any questions at 860-297-5962, or visit their contact page for additional information.
Sales and Use Tax Permit
A Sales and Use Tax Permit from the Department of Revenue Services (DRS) is needed for the following activities in Connecticut:
- Sale, rental, or lease of goods
- Sale of a taxable service
- Operation of a hotel, motel, or lodging house
Connecticut Business License Resources
The Connecticut Secretary of State offers a New Business Checklist to help you get started and identify state requirements.
CTNext offers a variety of resources for new businesses in Connecticut.
Advance CT provides personalized service about licensing requirements for your business, covering different industries and aspects of opening a business in Connecticut.
Next Step: Connecticut LLC taxes
After you’ve researched and obtained the proper licenses and permits, you can then proceed to the next lesson: Connecticut LLC taxes.
References
Connecticut Department of Economic Development: Entrepreneur Resources
Connecticut Department of Economic Development: Small Business Resources
Connecticut Department of Revenue: Register Your Business
Connecticut Department of Revenue: Applications/Registration Applications
Matt holds a Bachelor's Degree in business from Drexel University with a concentration in business law. He performs extensive research and analysis to convert state laws into simple instructions anyone can follow to form their LLC - all for free! Read more about Matt Horwitz and LLC University.
Hi do i need a sales tax permit if Im registered as a dba. Also do I need any permit or special license to run a carpet cleaning business.
Hi Edwin, you’ll need to check with your municipality regarding any special license. Connecticut does charge sales and use tax on some services, but that’s best to check with an accountant on. We don’t specialize in business licenses or sales take. Thanks for your understanding.
Hi Matt. Thanks for all the step-by-step instruction!
I filed for Connecticut LLC.
I want to proceed to get EIN (and possibly skip LLC approval phase).
My first client is asking for my W-9 form.
Is that the CT Department of Revenue State Tax ID Number?
Or how do I create the form?
Thank you.
Hi Marianne, you’re welcome! What do you mean by “skip LLC approval phase”? No, a W-9 has nothing to do with your state tax ID number. Form W-9 is a federal form from the IRS. Those who pay your LLC as an independent contractor will send you a 1099 at the end of every January. They request this form, the W-9, so they know how to prepare their 1099. You can download the W-9 from the IRS. See here: IRS: About Form W-9.
I’m going to assume you are the only Member of your LLC, therefore it’s a Single-Member LLC. By default, Single-Member LLCs are taxed by the IRS like a Sole Proprietor. If that’s the case, here are Form W-9 instructions:
1. Name (as shown on your income tax return): Enter your full name.
2. Business name/disregarded entity name: Enter your LLC name.
3. Check off “Individual/sole proprietor or single-member LLC”.
4. Exemptions likely don’t apply; can be left blank.
5 + 6. Enter your LLC’s mailing address.
7. Optional, may not apply.
Then enter your LLC’s EIN Number (leave social security number blank), sign your name, and date. Hope that helps!
I have a friend that is just starting up a home heating oil delivery company in Connecticut.
I am trying to help with some questions, and one is does the owner need a Tradesmen Certification and how would they get that?
Hi Cheryl, we’re not sure about the Tradesmen Certification. Oil and fuel is regulated and additional licenses and taxes apply. I believe it’s called a Heating Fuel Dealer in Connecticut. Please contact/see Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection: Gasoline and Fuel Licensing and Registration. Hope that helps.